Red, White, Blue, and… Green?: 4 Tips for a Green Independence Day

Fireworks - All Green Electronics Recycling
Photo Credit: Epic Fireworks (Flickr)

It’s almost the 4th of July and we all know what that means—barbecues, fireworks, and red, white, and blue galore.

Here are a few tips to keep your 4th of July clean, green, and energy-efficient:

  1. Ditch disposable plates: We know that washing dishes is a pain and you don’t want your good china to get lost or broken in an outdoor barbecue. But paper—or worse, Styrofoam—is horrible for the environment. Just buy some cheap plates, silverware, and cups that you can use year after year.
    • If you absolutely must buy disposable, make sure it can be composted.
  2. Fireworks: It’s a given that fireworks aren’t that good for the environment, but they’re a tradition for this particular weekend. Fireworks high in nitrogen emit less smoke and pollution, but your best bet is to check out your local fireworks display. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s probably a better show.
  3. Save and reuse your decorations: I mean, seriously, there is no need to buy new flag decorations each year. The current US flag has been in use since 1960.
    • Flag decorations are a great investment you want to decorate for a variety of American holidays. You can use them for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Constitution Day, Patriot Day, Veteran’s Day… and probably Columbus Day too.

What are your tips for a green Independence Day? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out Keen for Green and Earth 911 for more great tips!

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